I have been wanting to make a piece that reflects my heritage " Celtic" I'm Scottish, Irish, Welch and English. I started this piece back in December it's 90% hand carved after turning the main body on the lathe. I'm calling this one "laochra aingeal" (angel warriors) 11" W x 12" T Sapele & Sterling Silver. I did take some help from a Dremel on this piece grinding away some large bits w/ a 60 grit drum sander, the rest I carved w/ the same tools I used on my other pieces and I got two new sets of carving tools for Christmas. Also for Christmas I got a new camera and some lighting I'm still learning how to use the equipment. C&C always welcome.

Your piece is amazing, but the photography needs help IMHO.You might try different backgrounds to reduce the high contrast between the piece and background, such as a light grey. That would increase the contrast within your piece and the details would be easier to see and appreciate. Also you might defuse the lighting so there are not the hot spots on your piece.

Thank you John; Your correct in what you say and I also worked as a cabinet maker for over 30 years. The best thing I can tell folks like George is keep trying and have patients don't tell your self you can't do a project because it's to hard. Arlin Yes the bottom half was turned as one piece, the bottom part of the legs were glued on after the bowl and upper part of the legs were cut in on the lathe, cutting a lot of air. The bottom of the legs were left over triangles from the dome lid that was turned on the lathe. Once all of that was done The angel was carved from a block of Sapele mounted to the lid. Also the ball and claws were carved while attached to the base.Here's a few shots of the angel carving at the start, he was going to have a horn I switched it to a sward half way threw the project, sorry these are all the photos I took while carving.